Authorities seize more than $200K worth of fake NeeDoh toys and other merchandise, state officials say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) – Authorities seized thousands of dollars worth of fake NeeDoh Nice Cube squishy toys from several businesses at Haywood Mall in Greenville, South Carolina.

South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond announced the seizure Friday, saying the merchandise was taken during a joint operation July 27 involving the Greenville Police Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and Homeland Security Investigations.

Officials said they found thousands of dollars of merchandise including counterfeit NeeDoh toys and cellphone covers featuring logos from luxury brands including Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

The fake Nice Cubes claimed to be branded with Sprite, Pepsi and McDonald’s, but NeeDoh’s maker, Schylling, does not partner with such companies.

The merchandise was seized from several stores including, Toy Corral and Blind Boxes, Squishy World, Phone XPert and more.

The estimated retail value of the counterfeit merchandise was more than $214,000, officials said.

NeeDoh toys are squeezable sensory toys that typically sell for between $4 and $13. The popular toys became a viral sensation, leading to severe stock shortages and high resale prices online.

Officials warned that counterfeit toys may pose safety risks because their materials and manufacturing processes are unknown.

“Counterfeit goods put consumers at risk, undermine legitimate businesses, and violate intellectual property rights,” said Mark M. Zito, special agent in charge of HSI Carolinas. “HSI is proud to work with our law enforcement and private-sector partners to disrupt those who profit from counterfeit merchandise and protect the public.”

According to the toy’s manufacturer, Schylling, authentic NeeDoh products are also nontoxic and are created under current toy safety testing standards.

Schylling Chief Financial Officer Meghann Ellis said the company was grateful to law enforcement for removing thousands of counterfeit NeeDoh products from the market.

Officials said one person was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations for immigration violations as a result of the July 27 operation.

The counterfeit investigation remains ongoing.